Save the Evergreen Pool
Olympia, Washington · Community Action
Save the
Evergreen Pool
The largest pool south of Federal Way and the only public pool on the west side of Olympia is scheduled to close in June 2026. We are fighting to keep it open.
About the Pool
A Cornerstone of Our Community
The Evergreen State College Pool is an 11-lane, half-Olympic facility that has served students, seniors, families, and athletes across the greater Olympia region for nearly 60 years. It is the largest pool south of Federal Way and the only public pool on the west side of Olympia.
Seniors use it for rehabilitation and fitness. Students use it for recovery and camaraderie. Six high school swim programs across four schools depend on it because their own campuses have no pools — and every other facility in the area is already at capacity.
Last summer, it hosted the Washington State Senior Games. A swim and dive camp was planned for this summer to teach hundreds of children to swim. One set of swim lessons reduces the risk of drowning by 88%. Closing this pool doesn’t just inconvenience people — for many, it eliminates access entirely.
Information in this section drawn from Evergreen’s Pool Is the Canary in the Coal Mine by Amalie O’Connor, Thurston Chronicle, May 4, 2026.
Why It Matters
More Than Just a Pool
Youth Programs at Risk
Six high school swim programs across four Olympia-area schools depend on this pool. No other facility has the capacity to absorb them. Hundreds of student athletes would lose their season.
Senior Health & Rehabilitation
Seniors across Thurston County rely on this pool for low-impact fitness and physical therapy. For many, it is their primary form of exercise and social connection. The pool hosted the Washington State Senior Games last summer.
Drowning Prevention
A single set of swim lessons reduces a child’s risk of drowning by 88%. Hundreds of children were set to learn to swim here this summer. Closing the pool eliminates that opportunity in our community.
Student Jobs & Opportunity
Evergreen students who lifeguard and teach swim lessons here are losing jobs that fund their education and build real-world skills. These aren’t just jobs — they are pathways.
No Alternatives Exist
This is the only public pool on the west side of Olympia. It is the largest pool south of Federal Way. Every other facility in the region is already at capacity. There is nowhere else to go.
A Pattern of Cuts
The pool closure is part of a broader pattern at Evergreen — the theater department, indoor soccer arena, and bookstore have all been cut. The pool is the canary in the coal mine.
Current Status
What Happened — and What’s at Stake
February 24, 2026 — State Budget Committee
The state budget passes through committee. Two days later, Evergreen makes its announcement.
February 26, 2026 — Closure Announced
The Evergreen State College announces it will close the pool. Students and community members are given roughly three months’ notice — leaving no time for legislators to act.
April 29, 2026 — Community Speaks Out
Students and pool advocates rally before a 22nd Legislative District town hall at The Olympia Center, waving signs and demanding action.
June 2026 — Scheduled Closure
The pool is set to permanently close unless the community and decision-makers act.
Unanswered Questions
The Pool
See What We’re Fighting For
Upcoming Events
Join Us — Get Involved
Where It All Began 🌊
Our Community Kickoff
Save The Pool Pickleball Tournament 🏓
Fundraiser by Green Roots Collective
Celebrate the Pool!
Community Gathering
Take Action
Here’s How You Can Help
Every action counts. Here are the most impactful things you can do right now to help save the Evergreen Pool.
Sign the Petition
Over 4,000 have signed. Add your name on Change.org and share it widely.
Email the Board of Trustees
Write to Trustees@evergreen.edu and ask for more time to explore community options.
Contact Your Legislator
Email Rep. Lisa Parshley at Lisa.parshley@leg.wa.gov and express your support for a collaborative community solution.
Volunteer & Connect
Email SaveTheEvergreenPool@proton.me to get involved with our grassroots campaign.
Follow & Share
Follow @saveTESCpool on Instagram and share our posts to spread the word.
Attend an Event
Join us at one of our community gatherings. Show up, make memories, and make noise.
Contact
Get in Touch
Reach out to us or to the decision-makers who can make a difference.